Box-covering machine.



No. 810,414. PATENTED'JAN. 23,1906.

H. A. INMAN. BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.30,1904.

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" Arm/my PATENTBD JAN. 23, 1906.

H A. INMAN. BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR.30,1904.

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& ZNVE/VTUR Q ATTORNEY No. 810,414. PATENTED JAN. 23, 1906.

I H. A. INMAN.

BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.30,1904.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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v Ink/TASS 8' u 7 ill/IV TOR 4 A M ATTORNEY No. 810,414. PATENTED JAN. 23, 1906.

H. A. INMAN BOX COVERING MACHINE. AT'PLIOATION FILED MAR.30,1904.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

No. 810,414. PATENTED JAN. 23, 1906.

H. A. INMAN. BOX COVERING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.30,1904.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

N1. gull [i777 UNrr-nn STATES.

PATENT OFFICE.

Box-oovsmne MAGHlNEr Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. as, 1906.

Application filed March 30. 1904:. Serial No. 200,713.

To alt whom it may concern:

Be it'known'that I, HARRY A. INMAN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of Amsterdam, county of Montgomery, State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Box-Covering Ma- Fig. 5.

chines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a box-covering machine having my improvement attached thereto. Fig. 2 illustrates a side elevation of the parts immediately in volved in my invention. Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of the parts shownin Fig. 2, taken on the line 3 3 thereof, the box-form proper having been removed. Fig. 4 illustrates a front sectional view taken on the line 4 a of Fig. 5 illustrates an elevation similar to Fig. 2, but taken lengthwise of the parts. Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view showing the position of the parts when the de vices which effect the folding or turning in of i the edges of the covering-paper are in their most retracted position. Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view similar to Fig. 6, the devices which affect the folding or turning in of the edges of the covering-paper having been brought forwardly so as to partially turn in said edges; and Fig. 8 illustrates'a sectional view similar to Fig. 7, in which the parts are in the position they occupy when the edges of the covering-paper have been fully folded or turned in and subjected to the squeezing operation of the compressing device. -Fig. 9 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a modified construction in which yielding side plates are applied to the body or box part of the structure, whereby pressure is brought to bear upon the turned-in edge of the paper. Fig/10 illustrates a view the same as Fig. 9, the parts being in the position they occupy when exerting ,pressure upon the turned-in paper. Fig. 11 illustrates a front view in detail of the block and devices thereon which support the folding in wings, they being shown in the position they occupy during the act of closing-say about midway between the positions shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 12 illustrates an enlarged view, as com pared with the other drawings, of an end elevation of the portion of the machine at the left in Fig. 1.,

showing the lever-and-link devices whereby the folding-in mechanism is longitudinally moved upon the shaft proper. Fig. 13 illusl f and set-nut a.

trates a detail in perspective of a portion of the sliding folding-in mechanism.

My invention relates to that part of a boxcovering machine known as the box-form,-

and it consists in the addition. to the box-form of mechanism which, coacting with the boxform proper, effects the turningin of the edges of the covering-paper from the outside to the inside of the box or its cover and securely fastens the same upon the inside thereof by pressure applied between suitable surfaces, and the devices so operate that the turning in of the paper is effected without rupturing it, thus producing good smooth handsome worlz at the corners of the box.

in the example illustrated in the drawings I show a wellknown form of box-covering machinecalled the "lnman machineand also show the invention as operating in conjunction with a boxcover. It will, however, be understood that my invention is applicable to practically allformsofhox-covering machines, suitable changes in the detail being made, if required, and that the invention is applicable to turning in the covering-paper on boxes as well as covers. 4

In Fig. l, A represents the covering-ma chine proper. They are so well known that a brief description only is necessarythat is to say, a table or framework, as shown, is suitably supported upon legs or otherwise, and

from the upper parts of the table rise pillars or standards a, which in turn support longitudinally-running bars 6, on the ends of which, as at c, is the reel or reels which contain the coils of covering-paper. 03 represents guide and tension bars. 0 is the rotary glue-roller revolving in a gl'ue-tankf, which may be heated in any suitable manner. g is an adjustable scraper. it represents uprights which support the guiding-fingers z' 2' i t, whereby and in conjunction with the horizontal bars jj the papers are guided and, if more than one strip of paper he used, caused to overlap each other in a manner well understood Z; is a support for a drip-pan,. if such be required. Z'is the uniting-bar, with its guiding-fingers m. n is the support-bar, provided with extensions 0 0, which pass through holes made in the studs 2, provided with set-nuts q 9, whereby the support-bar can be vertically adjusted as the size of the box or cover requires. a is a stand; ard upon which is mounted the shears .9, made l vertically adjustable on the standard by hub Returning now to the con the box-form and the parts which constitute myinvention as applicable to a rather small box or its coversay, for example, a cover two by three inches in sizebut it will be readily understood that the size is immaterial.

E is a treadle, preferably operated by the left foot of the operator. it is pivoted, as shown, upon a suitable support F, preferably connected with the frame of the machine. G is an arm integral with or rigidly connected to the treadle E. His a retracting-spring which tends always to return it to normal position. I is a link which connects the arm G with one arm J of a bell-crank lever, the other arm K whereof connects by a link L with a yoke M, which is received within the groove N (see Figs. 2 and 13) in a block 0, which is splincd to a shaft P, which is the interchangeable section of the shaft proper, C, so that it has longitudinal movement thereon and rotary movement therewith. The shaft P supports on its forward end the box-form D, which is rotated intermittently by the driving mechanism of the machine in a manner now well understood, and the parts which constitute the folding or turning-in devices-of this invention slide back wardly and forwardlyupon the shaft F, effecting their operation upon the covering paper in a manner about to be described. The interchangeable section P of the shaft C may be readily connected and disconnected therefrom by a threaded stem P, (see Fig. 6.) with which a correspondingly-threaded part on the shaft proper, C, engages.

Referring now to the parts which constitute the folding or turning-in devices, a plate or flange 1 is formed on the front end' of the casting or block 0, and ateach of its corners two screws22(see Figs. 4: and 12) pass through slotted openings 1st in the plate or flange and thread into threaded holes 3 3 in brass cornerplates 5 5, whereby they, through the instrumentality of the slots 1 4:, are made adjustable radially from thecenter of the shaft P, so that exact coincidence between the exterior surfaces of these brass corner-plates and the interior sides of the box or cover can be secured. The said adjustment is desirable to secure the most perfect adhesion of the turned-in covering-paper with the inside of the box or cover. 6 6 (see Fig. 2) are spring compressing-plates, which are connected by screws 7 7 to the edges of the plate 1, and they are given such curvature that they normally tend to press at their forward ends, as at 8 8, against the sides of the corner-plates 5 5, above referred to, and the pressurecxerted by these pressure-plates is regulated by the set-screws 9 9, which pass through threaded bosses 10 10, attached to the sleeved, as at 12 12, upon short bars 13, supported upon studs 14:, which are fastened to a block 15, which is immovably mounted upon the interchangeable shaft P. A spring 16 encircles each of the short bars 13, one'end of which rests against the block 15 and the other against the turning-in wings 11, whereby the wings are normally thrown outwardly and backwardly, as illustrated. The forwardlyprojecting flanges or webs 17 of the brass corner-plates 5 at their extreme front edges form, as heretofore stated, the interior compression-surfaces whereby the turned-in paper is pressed'firmly upon and adhered to the inside of the box or cover. The compressionsprings themselves at their forward ends (indicated at 8) serve as the exterior compression-surfaces. In order that the turned-in edges of the covering-paper may be as smooth and handsome as possible at the corners, and also in order that rupture of the paper at this point may be avoided, ll prefer to cut away the forward edges of the compression-flanges 17 at their corners, as shown at 18, (see Fig.

3,) and ll also reduce the length of the turning-in wings 11 11, so that they are somewhat shorter than the interior compression-surfaces 17, as shown likewise in Fig. 3. By cutting away these corners 18, as stated,or at least reducing the compression-surfaces 17 at the corners, the covering-paper during the act of turning in its projecting edge is free and untrammeled in its movements at the corners, whereby it bends inwardly under the action of the turning-in wings in such folds or pleats as present the least resistance, so that strains upon it at the corners where tearing is most likely to. occur is reduced to the minimum, and I also, as shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 8, round, 0d the outer surfaces of the compressionflanges 17, as shown at 19, so that when the covering-paper has been folded inwardly and has passed between the squeezing-surfaces 17 on the inside and 8 on the outside these rounded surfaces 19 will avoid rupture or tearing niacin backwardly, so that they occupy the position shownin Fig; 6 removed from and out of the way of the box form. Y The honor cover blank 20 is thenplaced upon the hometown, the ma chine is started, and the covering paper ap ,mentality of the said treadleand its coacting levers, links, &c., is moved forward, sliding. longitudinally on the box-form shaft P, as shown in Fig. 7, and during its movement the. forward'edges of the corn pression-surfaces 17, which rest against the rear surface of the folding-inwings 11, rockth'em upon their axes 13,

thereby increasing the tension of the springs 16, and as these turning-inwings 11 fold inwardly they come in contact with the pro-f jecting edges 23 of the covering-paper and bend them all inwardly, as shown in Fig. 7. Continued movement in the same direction of the turning-in devices causes the front edge of the box or cover (which is held to the boxform by the hand of the operator) topass between the rounded corners l9 'of'the interior compression-surfaces 17 and theontwerdlgr curved edges of the exterior spring compres sioneurfaces 8 until the parts assume the position shown in Fig. and it will be noted that during this movementthfe front cd of the compression-surfaces 17 have completed the turning in of the edge of the covering paper and that it is subjected to a squeezing operation between the said compression snr faces to wit, the part i? on the inside and the part 8 on the outside. The above having taken place, thetreadle E is released and the retractile spring H thereupon immediately returns all parts to their primary position, shown in Fig. 6, the box or cover is lifted off from the boxdorzh, and a new one is applied thereto for a repetition of the operation.

y it sometimes happens that with certain kinds of adhesive material and certain kinds of paper-stock, particularly if the machine is run rapidly, the adhesion between the inturned edgeofthe covering-paper and the inside of the box or cover is not immediate or strong enough to "prevent an outward turning of the paper when the box or cover is removed from the apparatus. In order to obviate this, I sometimes modify the construction, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, in which the parts are generally the same as heretofore described, but instead of having the terminal parts of the compression-surfaces or side plates 17 rigid 1 reduce their length somewhat and mount upon their outer surface on of the four sides of the structure spring-plate 2o, secured at its rear edge by screws, shown upon the front edge of which I a crossbar 28, a shoulder 2'? on the under side of which engages with the. beveled outer edge of a block or strip 28, fastened to the box-for1n D. This same arrangement for the spring-plate with their cross=bars 9-8 and the beveled block 28 extends, as stated, around 'all four sides of the structure, so that when the device is in operation the forward movement of the turningin mechanism will operate as shown in these two viewsFigs. 9 and 10. The cross-bars, however," do not extend entirely to the corners, but cease some little distance therefrom, so

as not to interfere withthe folding" and inturning of the paper in the'vacant spaces left at each corner, as heretofore fully described. In Fig. 9 the parts arein the position they occupy justprior to the timethat the turning-in devices reach their ultimate forward movement. In Fig. 10 the partshave'reached their ultimate forward movement, and it will be observed that the shoulders 27 on the cross-bars 26,. having'engaged with the inclined surface of the blocks' 28, are forced outwardly, exerting a considerable squeezing, pressure upon the intnrned, edge of the covsting-paper, so that it is firmly clamped hetween the bars 26 on the inside and the spring 6 on the outside. Thus adhesion between the covering paper and the box' or cover is almost immediatelysecnred, and there n no hnclzward turning or outward movement thereof upon the retraction of the parts.

'When I employ the construction shown in these two figures, I prefer to make the springplate 6 flatter than in the other construction, as shown. Q

As heretofore stated, the drawings hereof illustrate a small and shallow cover as the subject operated upon, and in some of the fig ure s, noticeably in Fig. 8, the front edges of the "interior compression surfaces 17 are shown as having moved quite close up to the iOOX fOTH! D, and also it would appear as though the cover could not he removed from the box-form because of the in'tnrned edge 23 of the coverinmpaper. it is impossible to make the part or sufficient size to be perceptible in a drawing without this appearing. As a mat'ter of fact, as will be understood by those familiar with this art, the box-form does not lit the interior of the box or cover with such snugness, noris the covering-paper of such thickness as to in any wise interfere with the stated operation, and it will also be understood that when larger or deeper covers or boxes are to be operated upon the turning-in devices above described will not move so far as to come in contact with or, in-

deed, anywhere near the rear side of the boxform. This is immaterial, however, because sometimes the box-forms are made thick, sometimes thin, sometimes the inturning of the paper is considerable, sometimes a narrow edge or strip only is suflicient', so that all this matter will be dependent upon the adjustment of the machine, the preference of that the parts as described and illustrated.

the operator, and the character of workdesired.

It will be obvious to those who are familiar essence of the invention retained. 'I do not,

therefore, limit myself to such details except as hereinafter claimed and wish it understood herein show oneform or construction only in which my invention may be embodied.

Having described my invention, 1 claim- 1. The combination of a box-form, exterior and interiortcompressingplates, cans for slidably supporting the plates in line with the box-form, meansfor moving the plates toward and from the box-form, turning-in wings and means for yieldingly supporting said wings in the line of movement of the compressingplates, forthe purposes set forth.

2; The combination of a box-form, exterior and interior compressing-plates, means for slidably supporting the plates in line with the box-form, means for moving the plates toward I in Wings in the line of movement of said compressing-plates, for the purposes set forth.

4.. The combination of a box-form, interior and exteriorcompressing-plates, means for slidably supporting the plates in line with the box-form, means for movingthe plates to and 'from the box-form, and turning-in wings in the line of movement of said compressing? plates provided with springs, for the purposes set forth.

5. The combination of a shaft, a box-form on the shaft, interior and exterior compressing-plates also mounted upon said shaft and rotating therewith, means for sl'idably supporting the compressing-plates in line with the box-form, means for moving said plates toward and from the box-form, and turningin wings in the line of movement of the compressing-plates, for the purposes setforth.

' 6. The combination of a shaft, a box-form mounted thereon, a block adapted to longitudinal movement upon the shaft and rotary movement therewith,.exterior and interior mam compressing-plates supported on. said block,

means to move the block toward and from the box-form, and turning-in wings in the line of movement of the compressing-plates, for the purposes set forth.

7. The combination of a box-form, adjustable interior and elastic exterior compressingplates, means for moving said plates, means for slidably supporting-said plates in line with the box-form, movable turning-in wings and means to move them into engag ment with the projecting edges of the covering-paper and to carry them inwardly, for the purposes set forth.

' 8. The combination of a box-form, interior and exterior compressing-plates, means 4 for moving said plates, means for slidably supporting said plates in line with the box-form,

' and pivoted turning-in wings arranged to close and move within the interior'compressingplates, for the purposes set forth.

i 9. The combination of a box-form, pivoted turning-in wings, springs arranged to project the wings outwardly and rearwardly away from the box-form, movable exterior and interior compressing-plates arranged to make contact with and close the turning-in wings, and means to slide said compressing-plates toward and from the box-form, for the purposes set forth.

10. The combination of a box-form, movableinterior and exterior compressing-plates, the interior plates having their corners reduced, pivoted turning-in wings in theline of movement of the compressing plates and means to slide the compressing-plates toward and from the box-form, forthepurposes set forth. r

11. The combination of a box-form, interior compressing-plates the corners whereof are reduced, exterior elastic and adjustable compressing-plates, said compressing-plates being all arranged approximately in line with the edge of the box or cover, and turning-in wings constructed and arranged to turn in the projecting edges of the covering-paper before the compressing-plates act-upon them, and means to move the compressing-plates toward and sure of the interior compressing plates, for

the purposes set'forth.

13. The combination of a box-form, turning-in wings constructed and arranged to engage the projecting edges of' the covering paper and turn them inwardly, interior con1-= In testimony whereoflhave signed my name pressing-plates and elastic exterior compressto this specification in the presence oftwo subing-plates, means to slide said compressingscribing; Witnesses;

plates toward and from the box-form and i X a means to press outwardly the interior rcom- ,IEARRI INMLN pressing-plates as they approach the limit of Witnesses: their forward movement, for the purposes set IHAs. Vt. CLARK,

forth. RALPH A. Wool). 

